By Patrick Teah, Jr.
Former President of the Grand Kru Teachers’ Association, Madam Mamie Baryor Scott, has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the County Development Fund (CDF) in improving the socio-economic conditions of women in Grand Kru County, arguing that the annual allocation has produced little visible benefit for women across the county.
Speaking recently on Ahteenah Radio, Madam Scott noted that although Grand Kru County receives an estimated US$186,000 annually from the County Development Fund, many women remain unemployed, economically vulnerable, and excluded from meaningful empowerment opportunities.
“Each year the County Development Fund comes to Grand Kru, yet women continue to struggle,” she said. “There are very few projects that truly improve their lives in a sustainable way.”
Madam Scott said the persistent hardship faced by women raises serious questions about how CDF projects are selected, implemented, and monitored.
“If these funds are meant for development, women should be able to identify projects that are directly benefiting them. Unfortunately, many cannot,” she added.
She further pointed out that while women are often cited as priority beneficiaries of the fund, they are rarely involved in the planning and decision-making processes.
“Women are not adequately consulted. When they are excluded from planning, projects fail to address their actual needs,” Madam Scott stated.
Reflecting on previous county administrations, including periods when women held senior leadership positions, she said women-centered initiatives such as job creation, skills development, and social support programs were not sufficiently prioritized.
“Women in leadership must ensure that leadership translates into action. Empowerment programs were needed, but they were not given the attention they deserved,” she said.
Madam Scott is now calling for increased transparency and accountability in the management of the County Development Fund.
She is advocating for public disclosure of CDF projects and deliberate investment in women-focused initiatives, including vocational training, employment programs, and child rehabilitation centers.
“We need accountability. Let the people know how the County Development Fund is being spent, and ensure women benefit in a tangible way,” she emphasized.
She concluded by urging women across Grand Kru County to organize, speak out, and demand inclusion in decisions related to the County Development Fund.
“If women remain silent, nothing will change. We must raise our voices and demand development that reflects our realities,” she said.
